Proposal would allow beer and wine to be sold outside Wrigley

The Chicago Cubs’ owners want to sell beer and wine in their new outdoor plaza connected to Wrigley Field, according to a proposal unveiled Tuesday at a City Council meeting that could increase the Ricketts family’s competition with neighboring bars.

The ordinance proposed by Wrigleyville Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th, and supported by Mayor Rahm Emanuel would allow alcohol to be sold in a plaza next to any Chicago sports stadium with capacity above 30,000, so it could apply to Soldier Field or U.S. Cellular Field as well.

But the focus is clearly on historic Wrigley Field and the Rickettses, who are looking for ways to increase revenue as part of their proposed $500 million plan to renovate the aging ballpark and develop the surrounding area.